Record number of travelers expected on Pa. Turnpike between Christmas and New Year's

By The Beaver County Times (TNS)

More than 4 million vehicles are expected to use the Pennsylvania Turnpike between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission reported.

The highway is ready for the increased traffic, turnpike officials said.

Estimated traffic numbers this year could mean a record-breaking travel day on Dec. 26 with 600,000 vehicles anticipated to use the road.

To keep the highway safe during the holiday, all construction and maintenance work will be suspended to allow full use of the roadway. All lanes will be available beginning at noon Friday until 6 a.m. Jan. 2. Turnpike officials said maintenance crews will be fully staffed to confront any wintry weather that may occur.

"Drivers are never alone on the Pennsylvania Turnpike," Chief Executive Officer Mark Compton said. "In addition to our maintenance crews …, we also have our State Farm Safety Patrol out there ready to assist stranded motorists."

Pennsylvania State Police Troop T, the division in charge of turnpike patrols, will be on the lookout for drunken drivers, speeders and aggressive motorists.

"Tailgating, speeding and weaving in and out of traffic leads to nothing but trouble -- especially in bad weather," said Troop T commanding officer Capt. Gregory M. Bacher.

Safe and smart driving is being stressed to all motorists who are traveling this holiday season.

"We want to remind our travelers that they should never pass a working plow truck and always keep a safe distance behind these vehicles," Compton said. "Our crews are clearing the roadway ahead of them to make it safer for the drivers behind."

Travelers can get real-time roadway information by calling 866-976-TRIP (8747) or by checking the Turnpike's web page, http://www.paturnpike.com.